The winter chills are coming and the country is currently appearing to be suffering from a huge wave of energy price increases from suppliers. This has been causing a great deal of consternation within both government and public spheres. As politicians scramble to find a way of limiting the monopoly style prices that the big energy providers are able to charge, one of Britain’s largest energy suppliers has warned that prices are set to increase further. With such news in the offing, it is important to ensure that households can save money and keep warm in as many different ways as possible.
Ian McCaig, chief executive of First Utility, believes that prices could double over the next ten years due to rising oil and gas prices and the onset of green taxes. Combined with the delays in building new power stations, British energy consumers could be facing a bleak future. He explains:
“British energy prices to consumers have doubled in the last six years. I’m not saying they’ll double again in the next six but it’s perfectly reasonable to predict that they could do so over the next 10. As a country we’ve made a commitment to renewables and to being a low-carbon economy. We’ve been deficient in terms of our energy policy over the past decades, which means that we’re effectively hitting a capacity problem.”
However, despite this gloomy forecast Mr McCaig is positive that people can be doing more to lower the costs of their energy bills. From installing energy efficient ceiling lighting, to ensuring better insulation within the home, it is time for people to take control of their own lives. Mr McCaig mentions of the concept of common sense as a major factor in helping to reduce the cost of heating. He asks:
“When did it become OK to walk around our houses in shorts and T-shirts in the middle of winter? It just doesn’t make sense. We want to help consumers consume less because, unless we do that, prices are only going one way and that’s up.”
The value of putting on an extra jumper or two will definitely resonate with many households this winter. If people spent a bit more time choosing their clothes wisely they may be able to spend a bit less time turning up the heating. However, that is not to say that one cannot be cold whilst wearing a jumper. When temperatures drop to freezing it is inevitable that people will feel the chill.
Ensuring that a household is as energy efficient as possible is a key thing to remember when decorating. Contemporary ceiling lights often use far less energy than old fashioned light bulbs and they can really warm up the atmosphere of a room. It seems bizarre that something as simple as modern ceiling lights could have a big effect on electricity bills, but it is a concept well worth looking into. Draft excluders can help to keep the heat in and cold out, so look after your home.
About the Author – Sarah Makinson is a freelance blogger who contributes regularly to a number of consumer sites. Read more of her energy-saving tips at National Lighting.
